Severn Valley Railway: Flying Scotsman passengers share their joy

The world-famous locomotive has returned to the Severn Valley Railway to reopen the full line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth on Friday (July 25). 

The railway reopened the full 16 miles of line for public services following the embankment collapse in January, allowing for travel between the two towns for the first time this season.

Excitement was in the air as passengers made their way to the platform at Kidderminster Town Station. Guests were serenaded by the Kidderminster Male Choir before hopping on board the Fling Scotsman.

Emma and Stewart Rothwell were two of the passengers excited to travel in the iconic loco.

Emma and Stewart Rothwell with Donna and Clyde Russell-Hands (Image: Newsquest) She said: "It's mainly nostalgia that brings us here because it's just so iconic.

"We were successful in the second round of tickets. It was my husband's 50th birthday back in January so it's to celebrate that as well.

"To see something so iconic and a piece of history, so local as well, it's on our doorstep, we're Worcestershire born and bred. It's just going to be an amazing day and the sun is shining".

Sheila Gardner bought her husband Chris, who "really likes steam trains", a ticket to ride.

Chris said sunny weather in the morning "couldn't be better".

Chris and Sheila Garner, and Mark Giddings and Denise Tipper (Image: Newsquest) The trip was a big bonus for Karen and Paul Dakin from Kidderminster as they won tickets in a competition.

They said they "really enjoyed" the trip on the sunny Friday morning.

Sisters Amy Tibbs and Tibbs had a "lovely" morning and said the event was "really well thought through".

Kenny Felstead, who is a volunteer guard at the railway, said: "It's amazing. I've been a volunteer here for 12 years. Having no Bridgnorth is sort of like losing an arm. Having the full railway back again is amazing. It's so nice to see everyone so happy as well. A lot of people didn't think it would be open this year".

‘Flying Scotsman’ hauled three round trips on the SVR’s reopening day, and will take part in the railway’s Swinging Sixties event this weekend, 26 and 27 July, hauling a further three return journeys each day. On Monday 28, it will head up its final three return trips on its last day of service at the SVR.

All tickets to travel behind ‘Flying Scotsman’ are sold out, but tickets for the Swinging Sixties event are still available at svr.co.uk, and visitors will get plenty of opportunities to see the iconic locomotive during the event.